Ventura, CA - Community Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Resource Center will be holding a Cancer Survivors Day celebration to honor cancer survivors on Sunday, June 3.

A “cancer survivor” is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, which reports that an estimated 12 million Americans are cancer survivors.

The event will include food, as well as games, raffles and speakers. The event is a celebration of life and hope. The celebration will begin at 11:30 at the Ventura Beach Marriott in Ventura.

The CMH Cancer Resource Center offers a variety of services designed to meet the needs of individuals faced with a diagnosis of cancer, as well as providing programs for family members, friends and the community-at large. These services are offered free of charge in a comfortable, non-hospital setting.

Cancer Survivors Day celebration is a collaborative effort of Community Memorial Hospital, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. Reservations are required. Please call (805) 652-5459 or go to cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Hospital is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 11 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Ask the Doctors: Wilson Senior Center and Livingston Visiting Nurse Association is hosting a Joint Replacement Seminar to prepare you for total knee or hip replacement surgery. Two well know physicians will discuss what you need to know before and after surgery, home preparation, exercises and rehabilitation information . Open to the public and free of charge, the seminar is on Wednesday, April 25 @ 9:30 am at Wilson Senior Center, 350 North “C” street, Oxnard. RSVP Diana Davis @ 642-0239 x 739

VENTURA, CA - District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that his office, together with 43 other California District Attorneys and the City Attorneys in San Diego and Los Angeles, has filed and settled a civil law enforcement action in Ventura County Superior Court against CVS Pharmacy, Inc. The settlement resolves allegations that CVS, headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, violated California laws for the safe storage, handling and disposal of sharps waste, pharmaceutical and pharmacy waste, photo waste containing silver, and hazardous waste generated from spills and customer returns of hazardous products.

The California investigation began after local officials discovered that CVS was investigated by environmental enforcement officials within the State of Connecticut. Acting in response to that information, inspectors with the Ventura County Environmental Health Division conducted a compliance review at local CVS stores and found evidence of improper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste and pharmaceutical waste products. Ventura County District Attorney Investigators teamed up with these inspectors, as well as the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and other district attorney investigators from around the State, to work cooperatively with CVS to address findings of statewide violations of law at CVS stores. As a result of the investigation and prosecution, regulated wastes produced by California CVS stores must now be properly stored, handled and transported, and disposed of at proper facilities with appropriate records kept documenting compliance with lawful procedures.

The alleged violations occurred over a seven-year period at hundreds of California CVS stores, pharmacies and distribution stores, including Long’s Drug Stores that CVS acquired and converted to its brand. CVS currently operates 23 stores in Ventura County.

Under the Final Judgment signed by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Barbara Lane, CVS must pay a total of $13.75 million in civil penalties, costs and for supplemental environmental projects furthering consumer protection and environmental enforcement in the State, and will be bound under the terms of a permanent injunction prohibiting similar future alleged violations of law. CVS is ordered to pay $295,750 in civil penalties and cost recovery to the Ventura County Environmental Health Division and Oxnard Fire HazMat, and $1,277,500 in civil penalties and cost recovery to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

This Sunday, April 22 at 3 PM, the Westmont College Chamber Singers will present a unique program of choral music in the sanctuary of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church.

This varied a cappella program will include sacred and secular music from the 15th century to present-day jazz and pop music. Classical music will include Baroque and Renaissance music styles from Europe as well as later compositions from Mexico and America. Highlights include Two Motets from Ojai composer John Biggs, folk songs including a witty arrangement of the American favorite Buffalo Gals, the spiritual Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, as well as Gershwin's Love Walked In.

The group's director, Dr. M. Grey Brothers, grew up in the Bardsdale Church. He is the son of John and Myrt Brothers, long-time members of the church and teachers in the Fillmore schools. This beloved couple are accomplished musicians and artists and have made countless contributions to the church and Fillmore community.
We hope you will come and help welcome Dr. Brothers and these extremely talented young people and enjoy an afternoon of singing.

The church is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue.

If you're a bargain shopper, mark Saturday, April 28, on your calendar because it's time for the annual Bardsdale United Methodist Church Spring Courtyard Sale.

The shopping will begin at 8 AM and runs until noon.

As always, great deals will be found in clothing, housewares, tools, toys, furnishings, books and bric-a-brac.

This event is organized by the United Methodist Women and proceeds fund the many ministries they support.

The church is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue.

Irvine, CA - The Hass Avocado Board (HAB), which conducts generic avocado marketing for foreign and domestic suppliers of Hass avocados in the United States, is scheduling its annual board elections for vacant domestic Hass avocado grower and Hass avocado importer members as well as alternate seats.

In mid-April, announcement of open seats will be mailed to all eligible producers and importers of Hass avocados, with a deadline for receipt of nomination forms on May 11. The HAB expects to mail ballots to producers and importers by June 1 with a June 29 deadline. New members and alternates will be seated at the board meeting in November 2012.

The HAB also has reaffirmed its proactive policy of seeking board members who reflect the demographics of the avocado industry while supporting the Board’s membership diversity goals. "The HAB has a history of making considerable efforts to emphasize the participation of qualified persons for Board and committee positions without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other basis protected by law," said Emiliano Escobedo, Executive Director.
"Like many institutions, HAB benefits by having a broad and diverse membership so we encourage women, minorities and persons with disabilities to seek nomination to the Board and actively participate," he added.

In addition to regular monitoring of board composition, the HAB will encourage diversity by publishing information about the policy prior to board elections, ensuring notification in internal and trade publications.

About the Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board was established in 2002 after approval by producers and importers of Hass avocados in a national referendum, and operates under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Both producers and importers are involved in the HAB, which covers fresh domestic and imported Hass avocados sold in the U.S. market.

Ventura, CA - The Human Services Agency of Ventura County (HSA), which coordinates the foster child program in the county, will be highlighting the urgent need for foster parents for teens, siblings and children with special needs during May, which is Foster Care Awareness Month.

Currently, some 240 foster families, 70 Foster Family Agency homes, and 170 relative caregivers provide a safe, secure and supporting environment for more than 800 foster care children in Ventura County.

"The need for couples and individuals to open their doors and hearts to foster kids is ever present," says Judy Webber, deputy director for the county’s foster care program. "Our most pressing need is to find foster parents who will take in teens. Many older kids have lived in numerous family settings during their young lives. When they must exit foster care their foster parents are typically the only adults who have given them the hope, understanding and guidance needed to achieve their dreams."

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The Annual Soroptimist Awards Dinner
Date: Wednesday, April 18th
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: El Pescador-Fillmore
Tickets: $15 (pay at the door)

As this year’s tax filing deadline approaches (April 17, 2012) the American public can be confident that IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) is working vigorously to stop abusive tax schemes and related federal offenses. The enforcement of offenses involving return preparer fraud, questionable refund fraud and identity theft remain high priorities for the IRS.

“The IRS Criminal Investigation takes violations of tax law very seriously,” said Leslie P. DeMarco, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. "Tax Return Preparers and individuals who choose to prepare and file false tax returns, steal refund payments, misuse client’s identity, or in any other manner undermine the honesty and integrity of our tax system risk prosecution.”

In the greater Southern California area, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are actively investigating those involved in alleged criminal violations of involving alleged return preparer fraud, questionable refund fraud, and identity theft. United States District Court records for the Central District of California reveal the following legal actions this week:

Costa Mesa Tax Preparer Indicted for Aiding and Assisting
In the Preparation of False Tax Returns

Today, on April 13, 2012, Ronald Vernon Strawn, 67, of Costa Mesa was arrested in Prescott, Arizona.

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CAMARILLO, CA - Veterans who are currently looking for employment are encouraged to attend the job fair at the 5th Annual Military Business & Community Expo, Tuesday, May 8 at the Ventura County Office of Education (5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo). Employers who are interested in hiring veterans as well as other job seekers are invited to secure a display table for the event. The expo and job fair are hosted by the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), TRIAD, Santa Barbara & Channel Islands Navy Leagues and RDP-21. Entry to the job fair portion of the expo is free.

Many of Ventura County's best known employers including Navy Base Ventura County will be represented at the job fair.

Volt Workforce Solutions is an exhibitor at both the job fair and expo. "A large number of companies in Ventura County contract with the military," says Ellen Brown, Volt's Ventura County regional delivery manager "Vets bring the needed work ethic and 'hard' skills that translate well into military-related civilian jobs. Employers also have opportunities that are good matches for non-veteran workers. That's why the expo is open to all employers and job seekers."

"This is the third year we've hosted a job fair at the Military Business & Community Expo," says Bill Buratto, president and CEO of VCEDA. "Participation grows every year. Our county is fortunate that it has well-educated, trained and trainable workers. Not every region has such a skilled and flexible workforce."

Job fair hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Those who participate can attend a free seminar, "How to Get A Job On Base." The fair will include an area for job seekers to gain resume and interview tips from job placement professionals.

The cost for an employer display table is $300. For more information or to reserve a table, contact, Renee Smith at 805-969-5244 renee@rsvpevents.net or go to www.MilitaryBizExpo.com

Livingston Visiting Nurse Association will hold Diabetes Classes to introduce basic information regarding diet, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, new developments and common problems. Open to the public and free of charge, the classes are held the first Tuesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:30 pm @Livingston VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, #101, Ventura. No registration is necessary; for information call Linda Hampson, RN, MSN @ 805-642-0239,ext 723.

Craig Newton a teacher, a presenter and a love of musical instruments will be performing at the Fillmore Ebell Club luncheon on April 24th at the Fillmore Memorial Building at 12:30 pm. Craig has been teaching and presenting Music programs to children for the past 16 years throughout California. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays more than 20 different instruments and brings his love of playing music to everyone. His highly acclaimed program "A Historical Journey Through America's Music" has been enjoyed by audiences throughout the southwestern United States. The ladies are looking forward to his music.

If you would like to join the ladies please call Lavonne Deeter 524-2090. Lunch is $12.00 and is excellent. Membership to the club is currently open for more information please call Melody Stitch 521-1400.

Fillmore, CA - Heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer of American men and women. Last year 750,000 American died from heart disease and almost half had no symptoms prior to their first event, which was death.

To help people from preventing this from happening, Community Memorial Health System is offering free HeartAware screenings at its Center for Family Health office in Fillmore on Saturday, April 28.

The screenings are from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The CFH office is located at 852 Ventura St.

The Mini HeartAware screening is designed to determine your risk factors for developing heart disease which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Once a HeartAware risk assessment is taken, each participant is given a personalized and confidential report that indicates their overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as ways to reduce it.

The mini HeartAware screening includes: Total cholesterol and glucose for non-fasting and fasting with appointments; total cholesterol; triglycerides, HDL, LDL and glucose; bilateral blood pressure; cardiac auscultation; weight, fat percentage; and body mass index as well as individualized education towards achieving optimal cardiac well being of health.

There are no advance requirements necessary; however, reservations are limited. Call 805/667-2818 or go to www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp to schedule a screening.

Centers for Family Health is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and eleven family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Self-Therapy for the Stutterer is the classic self-help guide by the founder of The Stuttering Foundation. It is written to and for the many adults and teens who stutter. The book is available at most public libraries. If you stutter, you do not need to surrender to your speech difficulty because you can change the way you talk. You can learn to communicate with ease rather than with effort. There is no quick and easy way to tackle the problem, but with the right approach, self-therapy can be effective.

This book outlines a self-therapy program which describes what the person who stutters can do to work towards better communication. It is often used as a supplement to speech therapy. A timely feature on page 164 is information about King George VI and how inspirational his speeches were during WWII as depicted in the movie, The King’s Speech.

Writes Charles Van Riper, Ph.D., about this book: “There are always some who stutter who are unable to get professional help and others who do not seem to be able to profit from it. There are some who prefer to be their own therapist. In this book, Malcolm Fraser has provided guidance for those who must help themselves. Knowing well from his own experience as a stutterer the difficulties of self-therapy, he outlines a series of objectives and challenges that should serve as a map for the person who is lost in the dismal swamp of stuttering and wants to find a way out.”

The book is available free to all public libraries. If your library doesn’t have it, ask them to contact the Stuttering Foundation toll-free at 800-992-9392 for a copy.